broccoli and lemon recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best broccoli and lemon recipe

I’ve been making this broccoli and lemon recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The combination of the slightly bitter broccoli and the bright, citrusy lemon is a perfect balance of flavors.

I love how easy it is to make, too – just toss the broccoli with some olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, and roast it in the oven until it’s tender. It’s a great way to get your daily dose of veggies in, and the lemon adds a nice touch of sweetness without making it too overpowering.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a fun one for them to assist with. We like to serve it as a side dish at family gatherings, or as a healthy main course on busy weeknights.

Plus, it’s so versatile – you can adjust the amount of lemon to taste, and add in some chopped herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor. I’ve even made it with frozen broccoli on occasion when fresh isn’t available – it still turns out delicious!

This recipe has become a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will be yours too once you try it out.

Broccoli and Lemon Bake

4.8 from 674 votes

A comforting and tangy broccoli bake with a crispy lemon crust. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Broccoli

1 large head of broccoli
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Lemon Topping

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3Cut the broccoli into florets, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
4Toss the broccoli with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
5Spread the broccoli out on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring the pieces do not overlap.
6Roast in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
7While the broccoli is roasting, prepare the lemon topping.
8In a mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
9Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
10After the broccoli has roasted for 10 minutes, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the lemon topping evenly over the broccoli.
11Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the broccoli is tender and slightly charred in places.
12Remove the broccoli from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
13This allows the topping to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
14Transfer the broccoli to a serving platter and serve warm, garnished with additional lemon zest if desired.
15The dish can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light main course, paired with a protein of your choice.

🔧Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixing bowl
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 20mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 6g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes to the lemon topping. You can also add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or red onion to the baking sheet for a more robust dish.

This broccoli and lemon recipe is a great addition to any meal, whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish or a tasty main course. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make – just toss everything together and roast in the oven until done.

I like to store any leftover broccoli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, reheating as needed. You can also freeze individual portions for later use – just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli and Lemon Bake

Q: What type of broccoli should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using fresh broccoli florets for this recipe – they’ll have the best texture and flavor. You can also use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have on hand.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely prep the ingredients ahead of time – just store them in separate containers in the fridge until you’re ready to roast them.

Q: How do I prevent the broccoli from getting too browned during roasting?

Make sure to toss the broccoli halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. You can also cover the pan with foil if you notice it’s getting too dark.

Q: Can I use other types of citrus juice instead of lemon?

Yes, you can experiment with different citrus juices like lime or grapefruit if you prefer. Just keep in mind that they’ll change the flavor profile slightly.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly – just be sure to check your olive oil and garlic sources if you’re serving this at a dinner party.

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